NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, HONG KONG, SOUTH AFRICA, SINGAPORE OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

RAPALA VMC CORPORATION CONSIDERS ISSUANCE OF A HYBRID BOND

Rapala VMC Corporation is considering the issuance of a hybrid bond. The potential issue is expected to be launched in the near future subject to market conditions. The targeted size of the issue is approximately EUR 25 million. The hybrid bond issue would strengthen the company's capital structure and financial position.

A hybrid bond is an instrument which is subordinated to the company's other debt obligations and which is treated as equity in the IFRS financial statements. The hybrid bond does not confer to its holders the rights of a shareholder and does not dilute the holdings of the current shareholders.

Rapala VMC Corporation ("the Group") is a leading fishing tackle company and the global market leader in fishing lures, treble hooks and fishing related knives and tools. The Group also has a strong global position in other fishing categories and it is one of the leading distributors of outdoor, hunting and winter sport products in the Nordic countries. The Group has the largest distribution network in the industry. The main manufacturing facilities are located in Finland, France, Estonia, Russia, Indonesia and the UK. The Group brand portfolio includes the leading brand in the industry, Rapala, and other global brands like VMC, Sufix, Storm, Blue Fox, Luhr Jensen, Williamson, Dynamite Baits, Mora Ice, StrikeMaster, Marttiini and Peltonen. The Group, with net sales of EUR 261 million in 2016, employs some 2 800 people in 40 countries. Rapala VMC Corporation's share is listed and traded on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange since 1998.

Disclaimer

This release is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer to purchase or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell, with respect to any hybrid bond. The distribution of this release and the related material concerning the issuance of the hybrid bond are prohibited by law in certain countries. The hybrid bond is not being offered to the public either inside or outside of Finland. Persons resident outside of Finland may receive this release and the related hybrid bond documentation only in compliance with applicable exemptions or restrictions. Persons into whose possession this release and the related hybrid bond documentation may come are required to inform themselves about and comply with such restrictions. This release and the related hybrid bond documentation may not be distributed or published in any country or jurisdiction or otherwise if to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws of such jurisdiction or would require actions under the laws of a state or jurisdiction other than Finland, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, South Africa, Singapore and Japan. The information contained herein shall not constitute an offer to sell or tender, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the hybrid bond to any persons in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale or tender would be unlawful. Rapala VMC Corporation's representatives assume no legal responsibility for such violations, regardless of whether the parties contemplating investing in the hybrid bond are aware of these restrictions or not. Rapala VMC Corporation's hybrid bond will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, nor under any securities legislation of any state in the United States, and it may not be offered, sold, resold, donated, delivered, distributed, bought or transferred in the United States or to US citizens or on behalf of US citizens, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and any applicable state law legislation.

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.Source: Rapala VMC Oyj via Globenewswire